Metal web for a non-pneumatic tire and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A web structure for a non-pneumatic tire includes a first corrugated ring having a first plurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys. The first corrugated ring is a metal ring. The web structure further includes a second corrugated ring having a second plurality of peaks and a second plurality of valleys. The second corrugated ring is a metal ring. The second plurality of valleys are affixed to the first plurality of peaks by brazing or welding.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a web structure for a non-pneumatictire, and a method of making the same. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to a method of making a web structure by pre-formingelongated steel sheets into web layers.

BACKGROUND

Various tire constructions have been developed which enable a tire torun in an uninflated or underinflated condition. Non-pneumatic tires donot require inflation, while “run flat tires” may continue to operateafter receiving a puncture and a complete or partial loss of pressurizedair, for extended periods of time and at relatively high speeds.Non-pneumatic tires may include a plurality of spokes, a webbing, orother support structure that connects an inner ring to an outer ring.

The spokes or webbing may be made by a molding process. In someembodiments, the spokes or webbing are molded as a single, unitarypiece. In other embodiments, multiple rings are molded and then axiallyjoined to form the spoke or webbing structure. In still otherembodiments, circular sectors are molded and then circumferentiallyjoined to form the spoke or webbing structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a method of making a non-pneumatic tire is described.The method includes providing a first elongated sheet of spring steelmaterial, corrugating the first elongated sheet of spring steel materialto form a first plurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys inthe first elongated sheet of spring steel material, bending the firstelongated sheet of spring steel material into a first annular shape,thereby forming a first webbing ring, and heat treating the firstwebbing ring and quenching the first webbing ring in an oil bath. Themethod further includes providing a second elongated sheet of springsteel material, corrugating the second elongated sheet of spring steelmaterial to form a second plurality of peaks and a second plurality ofvalleys in the second elongated sheet of spring steel material, bendingthe second elongated sheet of spring steel material into a secondannular shape, thereby forming a second webbing ring, and heat treatingthe second webbing ring and quenching the second webbing ring in an oilbath. The method also includes affixing the first plurality of peaks ofthe first elongated sheet of spring steel material to the secondplurality of valleys of the second elongated sheet of spring steelmaterial, providing an inner ring of spring steel material, affixing theinner ring of spring steel material to the first plurality of valleys ofthe first elongated sheet of spring steel material, providing an outerring of spring steel material, connecting the outer ring of spring steelmaterial to the second elongated sheet of spring steel material,providing tread rubber, and affixing the tread rubber to the outer ringof spring steel material.

In another embodiment, a web structure for a non-pneumatic tire isdescribed. The web structure includes a first corrugated ring having afirst plurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys, wherein thefirst corrugated ring is a press formed metal ring, and a secondcorrugated ring having a second plurality of peaks and a secondplurality of valleys, wherein the second corrugated ring is a metalring, and wherein the second plurality of valleys are affixed to thefirst plurality of peaks by vacuum brazing.

In yet another embodiment, a method of making a web structure for anon-pneumatic tire is described. The method includes providing a firstelongated sheet of metal material having a first length in alongitudinal direction, and a first width in a lateral direction, thefirst length being greater than the first width, forming a firstplurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys in the firstelongated sheet of metal material, bending the first elongated sheet ofmetal material into a first annular shape, thereby forming a firstwebbing ring, and heat treating the first webbing ring. The methodfurther includes providing a second elongated sheet of metal materialhaving a second length in a longitudinal direction, and a second widthin a lateral direction, the second length being greater than the secondwidth, wherein the second length is greater than the first length, andwherein the second width is equal to the first width, forming a secondplurality of peaks and a second plurality of valleys in the secondelongated sheet of metal material, bending the second elongated sheet ofmetal material into a second annular shape, thereby forming a secondwebbing ring, and heat treating the second webbing ring. The method alsoincludes affixing the first plurality of peaks of the first elongatedsheet of metal material to the second plurality of valleys of the secondelongated sheet of metal material, thereby forming a first web assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, togetherwith the detailed description provided below, describe exemplaryembodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified withthe same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shownas a single component may be replaced with multiple components, andelements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a singlecomponent. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certainelements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an undeformed non-pneumatic tire;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the non-pneumatic tire of FIG. 1 beingdeformed when subjected to a load;

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of an undeformednon-pneumatic tire;

FIG. 4A is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective view of oneembodiment of a sheet of metal material;

FIG. 4B is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of the sheet ofmetal material;

FIG. 4C is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of the sheet ofmetal material having a plurality of peaks and valleys formed therein;

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of one embodimentof a webbing ring having a plurality of peaks and valleys formedtherein;

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of one embodimentof a first webbing ring attached to a second webbing ring;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic drawing illustrating a side view of asingle contact point of a first embodiment of a webbing ring attached toa second webbing ring;

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of one embodimentof a first webbing ring attached to a second webbing ring, which isattached to a third webbing ring;

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of one embodimentof a webbing assembly; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of oneembodiment of a non-pneumatic tire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire 10.

The non-pneumatic tire 10 is merely an exemplary illustration and is notintended to be limiting. In the illustrated embodiment, thenon-pneumatic tire 10 includes a generally annular inner ring 20 thatengages a rim (not shown) to which the tire 10 is mounted. The generallyannular inner ring 20 has an internal surface 23 and an external surface24 and can be made of metal. In one embodiment, the generally annularinner ring 20 can me made of annealed spring steel.

The non-pneumatic tire 10 further includes a generally annular outerring 30 surrounding an interconnected web 40, which is a supportstructure connected to the generally annular inner ring 20. Inalternative embodiments, a plurality of spokes or other supportstructure connects the inner ring to the outer ring. The outer ring 30can be configured to deform in an area 48 around and including afootprint region 32 (see FIG. 2), which decreases vibration andincreases ride comfort.

In one embodiment, the generally annular inner ring 20 and the generallyannular outer ring 30 are made of the same material as interconnectedweb 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the generally annular outer ring 30 can havea radially external surface 34 to which a tread carrying layer 70 isattached. Attachment can be done adhesively, through mechanicalinterlocking, friction fits or using other methods commonly available inthe art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the interconnected web 40 has at leasttwo radially adjacent layers 56, 58 of web elements 42 that define aplurality of generally polygonal openings 50. In other embodiments (notshown), other web configurations may be employed. In another embodiment(not shown), spokes or other support structure may be employed insteadof a web.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a tire 100having a generally annular inner ring 110, a generally annular outerring 120, and support structure in the form of an interconnected webextending between the inner ring 110 and the outer ring 120. Theinterconnected web is formed by a plurality of web elements 130 thatdefine polygonal openings. In this particular embodiment, the webelements 130 form a plurality of hexagonal and substantially trapezoidalshapes, including an outer series of alternating hexagonal andtrapezoidal opening and an inner series of alternating hexagonal andtrapezoidal openings. It should be understood that the geometries shownin FIGS. 1-3 are merely exemplary and that any geometries may beemployed. Similarly, spokes or other support structure may be employedinstead of a webbing.

FIG. 4A is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective view of oneembodiment of a sheet 200 of metal. The sheet 200 has a first length L₁in a longitudinal direction, and a first width W₁ in a lateraldirection, the first width W₁ being equal to the full width of thewheel. The first length L₁ is greater than the first width W₂. Thus, thesheet 200 may be referred to as an elongated sheet.

In one embodiment, the sheet 200 is a spring steel strip. Spring steelexhibits desirable high yield strength allowing an object made of springsteel to return to its original shape without deformation.

FIG. 4B is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of the sheet 200of metal material. While the sheet 200 is depicted as a single, flatsheet, it may be provided in a roll of material that is cut to thedesired size. FIG. 4C is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view ofthe sheet 200 of metal material after a shaping process. The sheet 200of metal material is shaped into a corrugated strip with a firstplurality of peaks 210 and a first plurality of valleys 220. In theillustrated embodiment, three peaks 210 and three valleys 220 are shown,with each peak having the same height and the same geometry formed bydefined angles. The geometry may be described as an open trapezoid orhalf-hexagon. In other embodiments, any number of peaks and valleys maybe employed. The peaks and valleys may be curved or rounded, or have anygeometric shape. Additionally, the peaks and valleys may vary in height.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of peaks 210 and thefirst plurality of valleys 220 extend in the lateral direction. In analternative embodiment, the first plurality of peaks and the firstplurality of valleys may extend in the longitudinal direction. Inanother alternative embodiment, the first plurality of valleys mayextend at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction.

In one embodiment, peaks and valleys are formed in the sheet through apress form process. In other words, the peaks and valleys may be formedby a press brake. However, the peaks and valleys may be formed throughother bending or forming process, such as stamping or rolling.

In one embodiment, the process of forming peaks and valleys is performedon a discrete sheet of material. In an alternative embodiment, theprocess of forming peaks and valleys is performed on a material that islater cut into discrete sheets. In such an embodiment, the material maybe provided as a roll of material.

After the peaks 210 and valleys 220 are formed, the sheet 200 of metalmaterial is bent into a first annular shape, thereby forming a firstwebbing ring 300. FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side viewof one embodiment of a first webbing ring 300 having a plurality ofpeaks 310 and valleys 320. It should be understood that the shape andsize of the peaks and valleys may vary in the same ways discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 4C.

In one embodiment, the first webbing ring 300 is formed from a singlesheet 200 of material. After the single sheet 200 is bent into anannular shape, the ends of the sheet are attached to each other. Theends may be attached using a welding or brazing process. The ends mayalso be attached through mechanical means, such as by forming a firstend into a hook and a second end into a loop, or by using rivets,staples, or other mechanical fastening means.

In an alternative embodiment, the first webbing ring 300 is formed by aplurality of sheets. Each sheet may be bent into a partial annularshape, and a plurality of bent sheets are joined in a circumferentialdirection to form the first webbing ring 300. In such an embodiment, theends may be attached to each other in the same manners described above.

After the first webbing ring 300 is formed, the metal material is heattreated to achieve desired annealed spring steel properties. In oneembodiment, the metal material is heat treated to 900° C. In alternativeembodiments, the metal material is heat treated to a temperature between700° C. and 1000° C. The heat treated metal material is subsequentlyquenched in an oil bath. ASTM 5160 produces a 669 MPc yield while anASTM 1074 or ASTM 1075 produces a 430-530 Mpc yield. After the firstwebbing ring 300 is formed and heat treated, a second webbing ring 400is formed and attached to the first webbing ring 300. FIG. 6 is aschematic drawing illustrating a side view of one embodiment of a firstwebbing ring 300 attached to a second webbing ring 400. The rings arespaced apart for illustrative purposes. In the illustrated embodiment,the second webbing ring 400 has a larger diameter than the first webbingring 300 and is therefore attached to the outside of the first webbingring. However, the second webbing ring may have a smaller diameter thanthe first webbing ring 300, and may be attached to the inside of thefirst webbing ring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second webbing ring 400 has a secondplurality of peaks 410 and a second plurality of valleys 420. The numberand shapes of the second plurality of peaks 410 and second plurality ofvalleys 420 correspond to the number and shapes of the first pluralityof peaks 310 and first plurality of valleys 320, such that the firstplurality of peaks 310 can be attached to the second plurality ofvalleys 420.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic drawing illustrating a side view of asingle contact of a first embodiment of a webbing ring attached to asecond webbing ring. The first plurality of peaks 310 and the secondplurality of valleys 420 may be attached using vacuum brazing 415 alongthe joint. The vacuum brazing 415 is performed at a temperature between350-550. In one specific embodiment, the vacuum brazing 415 is performedat a temperature of 450° C. The vacuum brazing 415 will not anneal theheat treatment previously performed. The vacuum brazing 415 is morefatigue resistant than welding and will flow to naturally form a filletthat further reduces the stress concentrations at the vertices.Additionally, vacuum brazing achieves bonding at a temperature rangethat does not disrupt the spring-steel qualities. Alternatively, thepeaks and valleys may be attached by welding. The peaks and valleys mayalso be attached with rivets, staples, or other mechanical fasteningmeans. In such embodiments, the first plurality of peaks 310 aredirectly connected to the second plurality of valleys 420. In anotherembodiment, a brazing technology that is capable of producing fillets isused to attach the first plurality of peaks 310 and the second pluralityof valleys 420 along the joint.

In one embodiment, the second webbing ring 400 is constructed of thesame material as the first webbing ring 300. In such an embodiment, asecond elongated sheet of spring steel material is provided, and asecond plurality of peaks and valleys are formed therein. The secondsheet may have a greater length than the first sheet, and the same widthas the first sheet. The first and second sheets may be provided asseparate, discrete sheets, or they may be cut from a single elongatedsheet. In such an embodiment, the first and second sheets may be cutbefore or after the peaks and valleys are formed. In another embodiment,the second webbing ring 400 is constructed of the same material as thefirst webbing ring 300 but a different thickness. In another embodiment,the second webbing ring 400 is constructed of a different grade of steelthan the first webbing ring 300.

In one embodiment, a height of the second plurality of peaks 410 issubstantially equal to a height of the second plurality of valleys 420.In an alternative embodiment, the heights of the peaks and valleys mayvary. After the second sheet is provided and the peaks and valleys areformed, the second sheet, or a plurality of second sheets are thenformed into an annular ring shape.

After the first webbing ring 300 is connected to the second webbing ring400, a third webbing ring 500 is formed and attached to the secondwebbing ring 400. In another embodiment, each webbing ring can be formedand all rings could be simultaneously assembled using a clamping orother fixturing mechanism. FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing illustrating aside view of one embodiment of a first webbing ring 300 attached to asecond webbing ring 400, which in turn is attached to a third webbingring 500. The rings are spaced apart for illustrative purposes. In theillustrated embodiment, the third webbing ring 500 has a larger diameterthan the second webbing ring 400 and is therefore attached to theoutside of the second webbing ring. However, the third webbing ring mayinstead have a smaller diameter than the first webbing ring 300, and maybe attached to the inside of the first webbing ring.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third webbing ring 500 has a thirdplurality of peaks 510 and a third plurality of valleys 520. The numberand shapes of the third plurality of peaks 510 and third plurality ofvalleys 520 correspond to the number and shapes of the second pluralityof peaks 410 and second plurality of valleys 420, such that the secondplurality of peaks 410 can be attached to the third plurality of valleys520. The second plurality of peaks 410 and the third plurality ofvalleys 520 may be attached using vacuum brazing along the joint.

Alternatively, the peaks and valleys may be attached by welding. Thepeaks and valleys may also be attached with rivets, staples, or othermechanical fastening means. In such embodiments, the first plurality ofpeaks 310 may be described as bring indirectly connected to the thirdplurality of valleys 520.

In one embodiment, the third webbing ring 500 is constructed of the samematerial as the first webbing ring 300 and the second webbing ring 400.In such an embodiment, a third elongated sheet of spring steel materialis provided, and a third plurality of peaks and valleys are formedtherein. The third sheet may have a greater length than the first sheetand the second sheet, and the same width as the first sheet and thesecond sheet. The first, second, and third sheets may be provided asseparate, discrete sheets, or they may be cut from a single elongatedsheet. In such an embodiment, the first, second, and third sheets may becut before or after the peaks and valleys are formed. In anotherembodiment, the third webbing ring 500 is constructed of the samematerial as the first webbing ring 300 and the second webbing ring 400but a different thickness. In another embodiment, the third webbing ring500 is constructed of a different grade of steel than the first webbingring 300 or the second webbing ring 400.

In one embodiment, a height of the third plurality of peaks 510 issubstantially equal to a height of the third plurality of valleys 520.In an alternative embodiment, the heights of the peaks and valleys mayvary. After the third sheet is provided and the peaks and valleys areformed, the third sheet, or a plurality of third sheets are then formedinto an annular ring shape. The ends may be attached using a welding orbrazing process.

In an alternative embodiment, the third webbing ring 500 is constructedof a different material from at least one of the first webbing ring 300and the second webbing ring 400. The third webbing ring 500 may alsohave peaks and valleys of different shapes and sizes than those of thesecond webbing ring.

In another embodiment, after a desired number of webbing rings withpeaks and valleys are connected to each other, the webbing rings can bedip coated in an elastomeric solution to provide a tailored amount ofdampening and protects against corrosion.

After the desired number of webbing rings with peaks and valleys areconnected to each other, an inner ring is attached to the innermostwebbing ring and an outer ring is attached to the outermost webbingring. FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of oneembodiment of such a webbing assembly 600. In this embodiment, thewebbing assembly includes the first webbing ring 300, the second webbingring 400, the third webbing ring 500, an inner ring 610, and an outerring 620. The inner ring 610 and the outer ring 620 may be constructedof spring steel material. In one embodiment, the inner ring 610 and theouter ring 620 are constructed of the same material as the first webbingring 300, the second webbing ring 400, and the third webbing ring 500.In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the inner ring 610 and theouter ring 620 is constructed of a different material from at least oneof the first webbing ring 300, the second webbing ring 400, and thethird webbing ring 500. In one embodiment, the at least one of the innerring 610 and the outer ring 620 is an elastomeric material.

The first plurality of valleys 320 may be attached to the inner ring 610using vacuum brazing 415 along the joint. Alternatively, the firstplurality of valleys 320 may be attached to the inner ring 610 bywelding. The first plurality of valleys 320 may also be attached to theinner ring 610 with rivets, staples, or other mechanical fasteningmeans.

Likewise, the third plurality of peaks 510 may be attached to the outerring 620 using vacuum brazing 415 along the joint. Alternatively, thethird plurality of peaks 510 may be attached to the outer ring 620 bywelding. The third plurality of peaks 510 may also be attached to theouter ring 620 with rivets, staples, or other mechanical fasteningmeans.

In another embodiment, after the inner ring 610 and the outer ring 620have been attached to the first plurality of valleys 320 and the thirdplurality of peaks 510, respectively, the webbing rings and inner 610and outer ring 620 can be dip coated in an elastomeric solution toprovide a tailored amount of dampening and protects against corrosion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner ring 610 is a smooth inner ringconfigured to be mounted to a hub. In alternative embodiments, the innerring may have geometry configured to engage corresponding geometry of ahub. In another alternative embodiment, the first plurality of valleys320 may be directly attached to a hub, through one of the attachmentmethods described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer ring 620 is a smooth outer ringconfigured to receive tread rubber. In alternative embodiments, theouter ring may have geometry configured to engage corresponding geometryof a strip of tread rubber. In another alternative embodiment, the thirdplurality of peaks 510 may be directly attached to a strip of treadrubber.

While FIG. 9 illustrates a webbing structure 600 with an inner ring 610,an outer ring 620 and three webbing rings 300, 400, and 500, it shouldbe understood that any number of these elements may be employed to forma webbing structure. In some instances, it may be desirable to constructa webbing structure with only one or two webbing rings. In otherinstances, it may be desirable to construct a webbing ring with four ormore webbing rings.

It should also be understood that while an exemplary process forbuilding the webbing structure 600 has been described herein, thesesteps may be performed in any order. Additionally, the webbing structuremay be built by building a plurality of web sectors using the abovedescribed process, then attaching those web sectors circumferentially toform an annular web structure. Similarly, the webbing structure may bebuilt by building a plurality of web structures and then affixing thewebbing structures in an axial direction.

After the webbing structure is built, a non-pneumatic tire may becompleted by providing tread rubber and affixing the tread rubber to theouter ring of spring steel material. FIG. 10 is a schematic drawingillustrating a side view of one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire 700.In the illustrated embodiment, the non-pneumatic tire 700 includesfirst, second, and third webbing rings 300, 400, 500, inner ring 610,and outer ring (not seen in this view). Tread rubber 710 is affixed tothe outer ring. The tread rubber may be affixed with adhesive or achemical bonding processing. The affixing may include an application ofheat or pressure.

The tread rubber may have tread elements formed therein, such as ribs,blocks, lugs, grooves, sipes, and other tread elements. The tread rubbermay also include internal structures, such as a shear band.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B butnot both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2 d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term“connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to meannot only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to”such as connected through another component or components.

While the present application has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broaderaspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representativeapparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making a non-pneumatic tire, themethod comprising: providing a first elongated sheet of spring steelmaterial; corrugating the first elongated sheet of spring steel materialto form a first plurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys inthe first elongated sheet of spring steel material; bending the firstelongated sheet of spring steel material into a first annular shape,thereby forming a first webbing ring; heat treating the first webbingring and quenching the first webbing ring in an oil bath; providing asecond elongated sheet of spring steel material; corrugating the secondelongated sheet of spring steel material to form a second plurality ofpeaks and a second plurality of valleys in the second elongated sheet ofspring steel material; bending the second elongated sheet of springsteel material into a second annular shape, thereby forming a secondwebbing ring; heat treating the second webbing ring and quenching thesecond webbing ring in an oil bath; affixing the first plurality ofpeaks of the first elongated sheet of spring steel material to thesecond plurality of valleys of the second elongated sheet of springsteel material; providing an inner ring of spring steel material;affixing the inner ring of spring steel material to the first pluralityof valleys of the first elongated sheet of spring steel material;providing an outer ring of spring steel material; connecting the outerring of spring steel material to the second elongated sheet of springsteel material; providing tread rubber; and affixing the tread rubber tothe outer ring of spring steel material.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising dip coating the first webbing ring, the secondwebbing ring, the inner ring of spring steel material, and the outerring of spring steel material in an elastomeric solution.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the connecting of the outer ring of spring steelmaterial to the second elongated sheet of spring steel material includesdirectly connecting the outer ring of spring steel material to thesecond elongated sheet of spring steel material and includes affixingthe outer ring of spring steel material to the second plurality of peaksof the second elongated sheet of spring steel material.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the connecting of the outer ring of spring steelmaterial to the second elongated sheet of spring steel material includesindirectly connecting the outer ring of spring steel material to thesecond elongated sheet of spring steel material.
 5. The method of claim3, further comprising: providing a third elongated sheet of spring steelmaterial; corrugating the third elongated sheet of spring steel materialto form a third plurality of peaks and a third plurality of valleys inthe third elongated sheet of spring steel material; bending the thirdelongated sheet of spring steel material into a third annular shape,thereby forming a third webbing ring; heat treating the third webbingring and quenching the third webbing ring in an oil bath; and affixingthe second plurality of peaks of the second elongated sheet of springsteel material to the third plurality of valleys of the third elongatedsheet of spring steel material.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding of the first elongated sheet of spring steel material andproviding of the second elongated sheet of spring steel materialincludes providing a single elongated sheet of spring steel material andcutting the single elongated sheet of spring steel material into thefirst elongated sheet of spring steel material and the second elongatedsheet of spring steel material.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein thecutting of the single elongated sheet of spring steel material isperformed after the corrugating of the first elongated sheet of springsteel material.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the affixing of thefirst plurality of peaks of the first elongated sheet of spring steelmaterial to the second plurality of valleys of the second elongatedsheet of spring steel material includes vacuum brazing the firstplurality of peaks of the first elongated sheet of spring steel materialto the second plurality of valleys of the second elongated sheet ofspring steel material.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the affixing ofthe first plurality of peaks of the first elongated sheet of springsteel material to the second plurality of valleys of the secondelongated sheet of spring steel material includes welding the firstplurality of peaks of the first elongated sheet of spring steel materialand the second plurality of valleys of the second elongated sheet ofspring steel material.
 10. A web structure for a non-pneumatic tire, theweb structure comprising: a first corrugated ring having a firstplurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys, wherein the firstcorrugated ring is a metal ring; and a second corrugated ring having asecond plurality of peaks and a second plurality of valleys, wherein thesecond corrugated ring is a metal ring, and wherein the second pluralityof valleys are affixed to the first plurality of peaks by vacuumbrazing.
 11. The web structure of claim 10, further comprising a thirdcorrugated ring having a third plurality of peaks and a third pluralityof valleys, wherein the third corrugated ring is a metal ring, andwherein the third plurality of valleys are affixed to the secondplurality of peaks by vacuum brazing welding.
 12. The web structure ofclaim 10, further comprising an inner ring affixed to the firstplurality of valleys through welding or an adhesive.
 13. The webstructure of claim 10, further comprising an outer ring indirectlyconnected to the second corrugated ring.
 14. The web structure of claim10, further comprising an outer ring affixed to the second plurality ofpeaks by welding or an adhesive.
 15. The web structure of claim 10,wherein a height of the first plurality of peaks is substantially equalto a height of the first plurality of valleys, and wherein a height ofthe second plurality of peaks is substantially equal to a height of thesecond plurality of valleys.
 16. A method of making a web structure fora non-pneumatic tire, the method comprising: providing a first elongatedsheet of metal material having a first length in a longitudinaldirection, and a first width in a lateral direction, the first lengthbeing greater than the first width; forming a first plurality of peaksand a first plurality of valleys in the first elongated sheet of metalmaterial; bending the first elongated sheet of metal material into afirst annular shape, thereby forming a first webbing ring; heat treatingthe first webbing ring; providing a second elongated sheet of metalmaterial having a second length in a longitudinal direction, and asecond width in a lateral direction, the second length being greaterthan the second width, wherein the second length is greater than thefirst length, and wherein the second width is equal to the first width;forming a second plurality of peaks and a second plurality of valleys inthe second elongated sheet of metal material; bending the secondelongated sheet of metal material into a second annular shape, therebyforming a second webbing ring; heat treating the second webbing ring;affixing the first plurality of peaks of the first elongated sheet ofmetal material to the second plurality of valleys of the secondelongated sheet of metal material, thereby forming a first web assembly.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the forming of the first pluralityof peaks and the first plurality of valleys in the first elongated sheetof metal material includes forming the first plurality of peaks and thefirst plurality of valleys in the lateral direction, and wherein theforming of the second plurality of peaks and the second plurality ofvalleys in the second elongated sheet of metal material includes formingthe second plurality of peaks and the second plurality of valleys in thelateral direction.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprisingforming a second web assembly and affixing the first web assembly to thesecond web assembly in an axial direction.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the first web assembly is affixed to the second web assemblyusing vacuum brazing.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising dipcoating the first web assembly, and the second web assembly in anelastomeric solution.